Bears make roster moves, sign former Pro Bowler to the practice squad

On Wednesday, the Chicago Bears made several roster moves to ensure they are prepared for Sunday’s game in Green Bay.

With long snapper Patrick Scales missing today’s practice with a foot injury he sustained against the Falcons, the Bears signed 2013 Pro Bowl long snapper Matt Overton to the practice squad. Overton has appeared in 139 NFL games in his career, which started in 2007 in camp with the Seahawks, and the Bears are his 13th professional football team. His first NFL action came in 2012 with the Colts, and he last snapped in 2022 with the Cowboys.

To make room for Overton on the practice squad, the Bears signed wide receiver Collin Johnson to the active roster. Johnson played the last two games after being elevated from the practice squad, and with Darnell Mooney still in concussion protocol and DJ Moore limited, the Bears could use another wideout just in case.

To make room for Johnson on the 53-man roster, they waived linebacker DeMarquis Gates.

Here’s the first injury report for the Bears this week.

Head coach Matt Eberflus seemed optimistic about the status of Cole Kmet and Jaylon Johnson, saying, “They just need another day with the trainers to get ready.”